News
Children in poorer countries face almost six-fold higher risk of dying after emergency surgery
Children who need life saving emergency surgery after a serious injury are almost six times more likely to die if in poorer countries than in wealthier ones, according to an international study led by the University of Cambridge. The research, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, analysed 237 children aged 18 and under who underwent trauma laparotomy – emergency surgery for severe abdominal injuries – in 85 hospitals across 32 countries. This is one of the largest international studies to date to examine this type of emergency surgery in children. Traumatic injuries, including those caused by
road traffic accidents and violence, are among the leading causes of death and disability in children and adolescents worldwide. This study looked at children who needed emergency surgery for severe abdominal injuries, comparing their care and outcomes across hospitals around the world. Overall, 8% of children in the study died within 30
days of surgery. After taking account of differences between patients and settings, children treated in countries with lower levels of development were almost six times more likely to die than those treated in countries with higher levels of development. The study found major differences in the care
children received, which are likely to be important in understanding why outcomes were worse in poorer countries. Children often faced longer delays before reaching hospital and before receiving surgery. They were also less likely to
receive a blood transfusion, have a CT scan, receive medicine used to reduce bleeding, or be operated on by a Consultant Surgeon. Children also made up a larger share of these cases in poorer countries than in wealthier ones. This suggests that poorer countries may face a double challenge: more children needing emergency surgery after trauma, and less access to the care needed to treat them. “Children who need emergency surgery after
trauma are far more likely to die in less developed countries,” said co-author Professor Timothy Hardcastle from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. “This reflects challenges across the trauma pathway, from delays in reaching care to limited access to blood transfusion and intensive care.” These findings also point to a wider issue: many trauma systems have been designed around adults,
even though children have different clinical needs. “Children are not just small adults,” said co-lead author, Dr. Michael Bath from the University of Cambridge. “They need different equipment, different expertise and fast access to specialist care. Our findings show that, in many parts of the world, trauma systems are not yet set up to meet children’s needs. “There is no single fix, but improving survival will
require trauma care to be designed with children in mind — from the moment an injury happens, through transport to hospital, emergency surgery, intensive care and recovery.” Adult trauma systems cannot simply be copied
across to children. Children have different physical needs, injury patterns and recovery needs, meaning that best-practice trauma care for adults may not always translate into the best care for injured children. The researchers call for governments, health ministries and international organisations to prioritise child-specific trauma care. This includes age-specific equipment, referral pathways designed for children, staff training, and better access to blood transfusion, CT imaging, organ support, senior clinical care and rehabilitation. Strengthening these systems could help reduce
avoidable deaths and improve recovery for injured children worldwide. To view the full paper, visit: https://www.
thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352- 4642(26)00069-6/fulltext
Innovative heart surgery performed at Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Hospital has performed a European and UK first in heart surgery after utilising new technology to treat heart conditions. Dr. Riyaz Kaba, leading Consultant Cardiologist at Cromwell Hospital, was the first consultant to successfully use the FARAPOINT pulses field ablation novel catheter to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Unlike previous treatments, the new
technology uses non-thermal energy to create precise lesions to the heart without impacting surrounding tissues. This offers improved safety and efficiency compared with traditional treatment methods. The technology also enables shorter procedure times by allowing for rapid, consistent and predictable lacerations. It also benefits from higher success rates in
treating atrial flutter. This is a form of heartbeat abnormality also known as arrythmia with no reoccurrence. This approach supports faster recovery when
compared with traditional thermal ablation, either heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryo), which can cause damage to surrounding tissue, such as the oesophagus or nerves. The treatment is a showcase of technological
innovation and has been deemed a medical triumph in the clinical space, as it allows for faster and more effective treatments for a variety of heart abnormalities. After just one quick treatment patients have received a follow up and remained fully clear of their abnormal heart conditions. Dr. Riyaz Kaba said: “This marks an incredible advancement in the treatment of heart
abnormalities. As we continue to see more varieties of heart conditions this technology enables us to act with efficiency and precision that benefit our patients massively. I am proud to have been able to utilise this technology to make such a profound impact on my patient’s lives and look forward to seeing how many more patients will benefit from this pioneering treatment.” The new technology will provide patients with
l l
greater options when choosing treatment. Luis Pedro, Chief Operating Officer at Cromwell Hospital, added: “We are very proud to be the first hospital in the UK and Europe to pioneer this new technology and treatment. It shows our commitment to innovation and making sure our patients have access to the very best care, equipment and treatment.”
July 2026 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 9
Roger -
stock.adobe.com
©JPC-adfgsdfgsdfgsdfg
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
